Provide wifi and everyone’s happy

Once again I need to start with this online issue. Believe it’s one of the topics I cannot get enough of.

During the last 2 months I’ve organized and participated in different youth activities on international level. The system is the same every time – young people across EU and the surrounding areas come together in order to discuss one specific topic and develop their SKAs (skills, knowledge and attitude). It’s the time of hard work mixed with fun & pleasure and getting to know new people & different cultures. I’ve been involved in this for years and only now I’ve started to think that something is changing.

The part what is changing is young people’s’ free time and their use of it. Almost a month ago I was in Portugal. An event like any other except that every coffee, lunch and/or dinner break the participants were running into their rooms to crab their computers and connect to Facebook. In the beginning I thought that well, fair enough, maybe for most it’s their first time abroad and they need to share every second of their experience with friends / family back home, but it kind a reached it’s limit – the moment the participants decided not to go out with others and stay in to be online in Facebook. Had the feeling that it cannot be happening. For God sake you’re in Portugal (for most their 1st time in Portugal) and you prefer being online to going out and socializing with other participants and locals? I still remember my first even, every free second I either used for chatting with fellow participants or discovering the darkest and brightest corners of the country.

Surprising enough, a few days later the participants took another level. They established a Facebook group for the event. What happened then? The participants started posting questions in Facebook instead of making few steps and asking the same questions face to face. Just to mention, the questions were something totally random like “What are we gonna do in the evening?” or “Are we gonna play some games?”. I was astonished. Have nowadays young people forgotten what is face to face communication or they just don’t dear / need to do it anymore?

I didn’t concentrate much on it after Portugal as was thinking maybe it was just an exception and bad experience. However, the story continued. A few days after I flew to Serbia for another event. This event was about new media so I kind an expected people to be more online than usual, but still…..they were online most of their free time. Can you imagine? I understand you connect, post something, check your emails, etc and that’s it, but constantly online during every free moment you have? This is too much. At least in my opinion.

The best moment regarding it had in a night club in Belgrade. One Saturday night we went out dancing to the most popular night club (at least this is what the locals said) and what welcomed me? People with iPads on the dance floor. And oh, believe me, this time I’m even not kidding. Maybe I’m too old-fashioned, but aren’t people going to night clubs to socialize and dance? Or should I just give up and start following the trend – get myself an iPad and bring it along wherever I go? Sadly, this is getting really scary.

Thanks to this “lovely” experience and observation, I started thinking what will come next? Will I go to an event where the participants refuse to attend any of the sessions if we don’t use computers? Should I forget about organizing social events in the evening because no one is interested anyway? Just give them a wifi connection and everyone’s happy?

Getting rid off an addiction?

Eric Clapton – Cocaine

During the last half a year I’ve become seriously concerned about the online world. First I became worried about myself – had a feeling I was always connected and making myself available for everyone 24/7 that slowly started to kill me. Then started observing my friends and realized that I’m not that bad at all – most of the people are even more addicted than I am. Still the concern remained – I spending too much time online.

A few months ago I started to calculate the hours I was spending online. Normal day was: 8 hours at work constantly connected (thanks to working in an international environment), returning home, connected again as continued to work or blog or read the news or communicate with friends in Skype. I never had the feeling I was wasting time online, there was always something that needed my attention, contribution and time. After few weeks I realized that is far more than needed. I was admitting I had an addiction. Not only because of work, but because of personal reasons as well. Even if I managed to disconnect from work, I had my friends and personal matters on a waiting list. Unfortunately when you’re living abroad and all your loved ones living in different countries across the world, Skype becomes your best friend! It’s not because I like to speak, it’s because I care. Yes, even I care.

Nevertheless, decided to start restricting my connection time. Everyone who heard about it started laughing and mocking. I was told I’m not able to do that as I’ve forgotten the feeling of being offline. However, the more said I cannot do it, the more I wanted to test myself and prove it’s possible (and not only possible but also extremely enjoyable).

I created myself a “system” where I was online only during working hours and after that free as a bird. Of course, in the beginning I felt weird if I didn’t open my computer at home or checked my emails via phone. At one point I felt useless, completely useless. Many times felt really really attempted to connect, but there was an alternative – phone calls and sms. I became the old-fashioned girl calling or texting all the time (although this is now another addiction I’m still convinced it’s far better than the other despite the fact of additional expenses). The more I managed to disconnect and restrict myself (I now understand how difficult discipline can be), the more I realized how much free time one can have. All of a sudden I had time for everything I was missing in my life. Even if I was doing nothing special, I was enjoying every minute of it. Mainly the time with myself.

As I started to love it so much and still managed to do all my tasks (except I didn’t have time for blogging as I was normally taking my time for that in the evenings), I finally took the next level – I quit my connection at home. Ok, there were other reasons as well why I decided to do so (mainly because I’m always abroad and really didn’t see the point of having Internet at home), but I must say it was one of the best decisions I could take. A month after final disconnection I even do not feel attempted to go online after working hours. Can you imagine that? Me and even not attempted? Yes, it is possible.

A week ago I was completely offline for 3 days. I took the liberty of using my right to disconnect after a really intense period. I cannot describe how good it felt. I felt free. Although people were panicking around me as I was not answering emails for three days (it was a normal weekend and an additional free day), I really didn’t care. Calls and texts with questions what had happened and if I’m ok, were as usual as me being online!  Must say that it was a good rehearsal for July when I plan to be disconnected for a longer period as I’m taking my vacations (yes another surprising thing – I’m taking vacations!).

So hereby, if I’m feeling comfortable being disconnected and even don’t have the urge to get back on track, does it mean I got rid of the addiction or I’m losing my mind? Believe most will think I’m just going crazy and soon enough will be back on track. But honestly, I really don’t care as long as I’m able to continue living like this and balancing my offline and online life. Back to basics and nothing else matters.

When was the last time you used your right to disconnect?

The apartment saga

Brian Eno & David Byrne – Home

Apartment in Brussels. I’ve been looking for a place for long now and I must admit it’s more difficult that I expected. Apparently, I’m quite spoilt in that area and need something specific. I was already told not to look for a place according to Estonian standards because it’s just waste of time and energy.

Anyway, the saga is following. It was decided we will look for an apartment for 2 and move in with the Annoying Orange. So I went through all the ads and found a place that I liked. It seemed really nice. I made an appointment with the landlord when I was back in Brussels. I was already excited. Not for long unfortunately. All of a sudden the Annoying Orange started to say that maybe we shouldn’t move in together and he needs to think a bit. So I started to think about a plan B.

The plan B was a 1 bedroom flat / studio. Went through all the ads again, picked the places I liked, started contacting people. I found a really nice place, went to see it. The apartment I liked, the street not. I was bothering my mind like crazy about it. Finally I decided what a heck, I will take it. So we were already drawing up the contracts etc. What happened next? The ID of the landlord expired and I was not willing to sign anything. She said she requested for another one. Meanwhile, the Asshole (yes, it’s another nickname) said I should check in the Belgium register of flats who owns the apartment and if it’s in accordance with the owner. So contacting the embassy and getting further instructions. Of course, the owner wasn’t the same and I’ve never heard again from her. So back to nothing.

When I was already close to pumping my head to the wall, the Annoying Orange came back to his senses and decided we should take an apartment together. So I confirmed the visit. The apartment was nice, really spacious, a small balcony, freshly renovated. The problem hereby was the neighbourhood. It seemed a bit weird (not to say dangerous). The lady even asked me if I like to wear skirts and hearing my answer “yes” advised me not to. I had the Asshole with me that time and he even said I definitely should not move there. I’m not sure if he’s just spoilt or was seriously concerned about me. So back to nothing again.

After that I started looking for single ones again and raised my price range a bit in order to find a decent place in the center. Went through the ads, made appointments. Fair enough. A few days till the visits. Meanwhile the Annoying Orange came back to Brussels and we were back in point zero – looking for an apartment for 2. This time he was going through the ads, I was just spammed. So I asked him to make the calls and send emails. Nothing – everything we liked, taken. So I decided to go and check out the apartments I had the visits for. I must say that at that point I was so sick of all of it already and considering moving to a hotel!

So, finally I had 3 appointments yesterday. Saw 2 flats in one building which at least I liked outside (I checked them out beforehand as it’s close to the current place) + the landlord offered me to see another place. It was funny. The Belgian lady was a bit mean – not speaking English and probably she was suspicious about me. The first question she asked was if I’m working. I said yes and she gave me the look of not believing. The guy was more friendly. I was asking loads of questions, he was trying (the effort on the word trying) to give me all the answers in English which was still more like Frenglish (mix of French and English).

I liked one of them a lot. Was nice, even according to Estonian standards. Meaning a decent building, nice neighbours, freshly renovated, no mise, no ceilings falling on your head, no mold in the bathroom, etc. The price was a bit more than I predicted (especially taking into consideration the 2 month warranty etc) and I need to buy furniture but at least everything will be mine and I don’t need to think who has sat on the chair or slept in the bed before. The agent was telling me to hurry up with my decision as another girl was interested, promised to let him know in half an hour.

So there I was. Leaving the apartment with confusion. I really really didn’t know what to do. And what I normally do in case I don’t know what to do? Call people. Called the Asshole but probably at that time he was already having drinks with reindeer in Sweden. Then called my mom. Explained her what’s the case. She didn’t have such a positive opinion. She advised me to be reasonable (meaning to think if I really need it, especially buying the furniture). But sometimes I like to be unreasonable. I went back home and emailed the guy as he asked me to.  Told him I will take the place if it’s still available. So around 10pm he called me back (it was Friday night so probably he was really desperate to make the deal to call me on Friday night), said it was mine and told me what should I do next. 5 minutes after that my mom called me and said that she finally thought things through and believes I should take the place if I’m sure I like it and if I need any help in closing the deal she’s there. So now I need to send the documents and everything so that they will prepare the contract and I will get my place. Woop woop.

The tricky thing about it was breaking the news to the Annoying Orange. Thank god he didn’t start hating me, just asked me today how many days he has to offer me a better solution before I sign the contract!

Anyway, today I was passing by the building and I really started to like the thought about the apartment and decorating it. Step by step. At least I hope that this finding an apartment saga is over by now.

Talents back home?

Michael Buble – Home

Estonian youth is moving abroad. It doesn’t matter whether to study or work. Every day we can hear about someone who has decided to go or at least thinking about it (and if you’re already thinking about it it’s only a matter of time till you go). It has come to masses. Stories about Estonian “brains” outflow is as common in the news as the blacks of politicians.

The fact that youth is moving abroad has started to worry Estonian decision makers and government. Why? Because less and less come back. Population is decreasing and Estonia is unable to attract the so-called talents back. What is the solution in the eyes of Estonia? A campaign called “Talents back home”.

Last year the mentioned project/campaign was launched by the Estonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry with a main aim to attract the talents back home and spice up the Estonian economy. An online space was created in order to connect entrepreneurs, business representatives etc and those so-called talents living / working / studying abroad and provide a space to find joint opportunities to bring young Estonians back or at least develop cooperation between Estonians and Estonian companies abroad. Even our airline has joined the campaign offering 25% discount for those coming for a job interview and 50% discount for those coming back to work in Estonia. More information about it is available here www.talendidkoju.ee (sorry, it’s only in Estonian).

The idea of the campaign is good in theory and quite patriotic, but the reality is another story. I checked out the website and it was quite depressing. Only 500 Estonian “talents” and around 115 companies had listed themselves down. It’s probably a sign that the campaign hasn’t taken off as well as predicted – meaning no promotion abroad among those who are invited back and/or towards the companies who are supposed to offer opportunities. I’m pretty sure that most of my friends living abroad haven’t even heard about the initiative. Or maybe people are just not interested in coming back. Who knows. Anyway the initiative is promising, but is offering a job enough for a return?

Lost Generation

Empire of the Sun – Country

I realize this may be a shock but
“Happiness comes from within”
Is a lie, and
“Money will make me happy”
So, in 30 years I will tell my children
They are not the most important things in my life.
My employer will know that
I have my priorities straight because
Work
is more important than
Family
I tell you this
Once upon a time
Families stayed together
But this will not be true in my era
This is a quick fix society
Experts tell me
30 years from now I will be celebrating the 10th anniversary of my divorce
I do not concede that
I will live in a country of my own making
In the future
Environmental destruction will be a norm
No longer can it be said that
My peers and I care about this earth
It will be evident
My generation is apathetic and lethargic
It is foolish to presume that
There is hope
And all of this will come true unless we choose to
reverse it.

Now read the text in reverse order (down-up)

By Jonathan Reed

There’s always something about Rome

Paolo Nutini – Candy

Italy. Rome. I’m back again. After the last year Rome almost feels cozy and home. Obviously I’ve been here too often. The reason why I’m here this time is pretty simple – we’re launching the Eurogames 2010! If you now wonder, what the hell is this, then please read the previous post.

Every time I arrive in Fiumicino I feel like an almost royalty. Not that they would speed up picking the luggage (yes, it may take quite a while here) or roll down the red carpet and offer champagne. No this would be a suitable greeting for a royalty (yes, this is a hint for next time). An almost royalty feeling is that you have someone who picks you up from the airport to ease your thinking and wondering how to get to the city; who carries your life while you are too tired of moving even a finger; who packs you in the car and puts on the heating so that you wouldn’t freeze to death in this cold wind; who takes you to see all your friends to catch up because he knows that you would never manage the logistics of seeing everyone in one night; who offers you dinner and always keeps in mind you’re a vegetarian; who jokes around to put a smile on your face when you’re feeling down; who takes a trip with you on the memory line. Yes, this is an almost royalty.

I was picked up by Mr. Hilton, taken to see people in Affabulazione, our member organization in Ostia (Rome), then taken back home to meet his mom with whom we always have an awkward conversation because I don’t speak Italian and she English, have a small fight with the famous cat who clearly doesn’t like me, then a lovely dinner prepared by Mr. “Excuse me” who is a promising cook, and off to a refugee center to pay a visit to Mr. Godfather.

The refugee center was an unexpected thing for me. The only thing I knew was that I’m going to some event. But the center amazed me. I mean, it’s somewhere in the outskirts of Rome and has many functions. They have all kind of activities there + over the weekends the place turns into a night club. This is how they fundraise in order to keep the place alive, they’ve never asked funding from the municipality or government. Furthermore, around 200 refugees live next to the center. The amazing part is that if you wouldn’t know that it’s a refugee center, you would never guess that. According to locals only few know the real meaning of the center. Anyway, this was the place where to catch up with mr Godfather! We stayed there for a while and then hotel. I mean it seems also impossible to catch up with so many people in one night but apparently doable. Although a real catch up would take days and days if not weeks. This is always the tricky part of living up in the air.

Anyway the weekend was for Eurogames. During the project we have the launching events in all the promoter countries, Italy the first of them. The first day we had three different working groups where we gave some input about non-formal education, competencies and structured dialogue all in the context of Eurogames. The following day we had the glorious presentation and discussion about YEU and the games. I’m truly glad that loads of people were truly interested in the project and curious to receive more information. Also many showed interest to collaborate in the future. Believe the overall project will have an amazing outcome and impact.

In the evening went out with my new colleague. It was his first time in Rome and well I had to be the guide (yes, an Estonian giving a tour). Unfortunately, after a brief walk in the center it started to rain heavily. Thank god for the nearby bar serving Italian delights that saved us for the next few hours. This is why I like Rome – there’s always something even if you actually do nothing.

The evening continued in Trastevere where we were supposed to meet Mr. Hilton and Mr. Game. To my surprise I ended up with too many guys in the same table as Mr. Hilton decided to come with the Atom Kids on the Block. I always love surprises and seeing dear Italians is always cool. I mean I cannot remember when was the last time I laughed so much and most of the time on my own expense. At least I like the Italian style compliments when a conversation is started with a question if I have lost weight (hinting that I was fat) and how before I looked beautiful but now SO beautiful (trying to make the compliment sound well at the end). Or how guys are trying to buy a rose though I’ve clearly stated that I don’t want one. Or how every second you hear that I either have lost my mind or am just crazy though I’ve always thought I make sense (at least most of the time). I’m glad that I’ve those people in my life and going to Rome always seems like going home. Have I fallen in love with Rome? Probably.

The following morning we had an early morning flight. This time I even managed to catch the flight not like last time (pretty great development). Although this time I was in the airport on time, still something happens while I’m trying to depart. The ATM eating your card and you desperately waiting the machine to do something, feeling confused and giving up after five minutes without any progress, walking away and trying to make up a plan how to pay because you’re out of money and now without a card as well, hearing someone to call you and chasing after you, turning around and seeing a lovely soldier with a huge smile on his way explaining that the machine started to work and handing me the card, asking me to come back and try again while explaining that sometimes everything in Italy is a bit slow, getting the money after another 5 minutes of waiting and running towards the cab to rescue my colleague. Maybe the fact that I never cannot pass a trip to Rome without some complications or unexpected situations is a sign that I’m not supposed to leave?

Eurogames 2010 for inclusion of disabled youth and promotion of non-formal education

Andrea Bocelli feat. Giorgia – Vivo per lei

“Eurogaming 2010: NFE in Action – Increasing Inclusiveness in youth work and volunteering” is one of the projects that Youth for Exchange and Understanding (YEU) has been implementing in 2010 and continues to work on it till 2012 summer. At the moment we have reached the sixth phase – launching seminars!

The first edition of Eurogames was published over 10 years ago. Originally Eurogames is a booklet containing activities based on non-formal education (NFE) methodology. There are several examples of different activities like ice-breakers, getting to know each other, team building, etc. As the previous Eurogames started to expire and we were facing new challenges in nowadays youth work, it was decided to adopt the games and publish a new edition – this time a tool for a change!

do you know how to deal with disabilities?

 

The aim of Eurogames 2010 is to adopt the current Eurogames for disabled youth, meaning the booklet will contain games that can be implemented for disabled target group (blind,deaf,handicapped etc). The objective of the overall project is to increase the participation of young people with disadvantaged background, especially disabled youth, and promote non-formal education among more than 250 stakeholders. With all our activities we also aim to develop the recognition and quality assurance of NFE among various stakeholders.

The booklet is so-called ABC for all the parties interested in working with disabled youth. It has been designed so that it is easy to understand and use even by those who have never interacted with the mentioned target group. It is a tool to encourage all the stakeholders in taking their activities to the next level, provide equal opportunities and increase the inclusiveness of disabled youth. Furthermore, the project develops structured dialogue and cooperation between different stakeholders as the project involves 9 non-governmental organizations specialized in international youth work, disability or volunteering and 5 public unions from 6 countries (Portugal, Belgium, Spain, UK, Cyprus and Italy).

But the project does not only include the Eurogames booklet. The project has had already several activities as preparatory meeting that brought together all the partners for the first time, an international youth exchange in UK where the Eurogames were adopted by the participants involving both able and disabled youngsters, the experts meeting and mid-term evaluation in Spain where the games were finalized, translation of the books into six languages. This all happened during year 2010.

At the moment we are in the phase of launching seminars – 3 day events in all participating countries in order to promote the games. At the moment we are in Italy, soon in UK, Belgium, Portugal, Cyprus and Spain. Meantime, we have the European Voluntary Services starting where 4 Portuguese volunteers are sent to Italy. Each of the voluntary services is 24 weeks.

Moreover, the project involves 3 training courses in Italy which are directed to youth leaders working with disadvantaged young people. Each training lasts 10 days and is implemented in different parts of Italy. The project finishes next year in March with an evaluation meeting.

More information about the project and its development will be available soon!